Health Library

Carmustine (By injection)

Carmustine (kar-MUS-teen)

Treats cancer, including brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Brand Name(s):

Bicnu

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how carmustine works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Women should not get pregnant for at least 6 months after treatment ends. Men should not father a child for at least 3 months after treatment ends.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, any kind of infection, or if you have had other cancer treatments.
• Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High risk for infection
  • Increase risk for lung problems
  • Increase risk for cancer
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination
• Chest discomfort, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Pain, redness, swelling, or burning under your skin where the needle is placed
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024